Help root out tree-pruning conmen

WEST Lancashire Borough Council is advising residents to carry out checks on firms offering to prune their trees.

People are urged to make sure they are suitably qualified and insured to carry out the work, and charge a fair rate.

Concerns have been raised by the council as many people with gardens may be looking for someone to prune their trees in spring and summer.

Cllr John Hodson, portfolio holder for planning, said: “It is important that contractors carrying out works to trees are properly qualified and insured to do the work, and use the correct protective equipment.

“People should be very wary of using companies or individuals that do not fit into those criteria.

“Residents should also be on their guard against companies that may try to coax them into having work done that may not be needed and charge them more than the going rate for this work.”

The council is also advising people that they would need to apply to the authority for permission to prune a tree that is subject to a preservation order.

Anyone who lives in a conservation area would also need to notify council officers prior to any pruning works to trees.

For more information on looking after trees on your property, visit the council’s website www. westlancs.gov.uk/trees, where you can also find a list of approved arboricultural contractors.

These firms are fully qualified and insured to carry out works to trees.